Resident doctors in Scotland have voted overwhelmingly to accept the latest pay offer from the Scottish Government.

The result of the online consultative vote saw 97.1% vote in favour of the offer, with a turnout of 62.4%.

Dr Chris Smith, chair of BMA Scottish resident doctor committee, said:  

“Resident doctors have accepted a deal that is another step forward on our journey towards pay restoration and crucially embeds improvements for doctors for the future. It represents an investment in the future of the NHS workforce and is positive for doctors and for patients, as we seek to recruit and retain the workforce both for today and for years to come.

“The deal negotiated by the Scottish Resident Doctors Committee (SRDC) will move all resident doctors in Scotland up the pay scale and is the equivalent of an average end-of -year pay uplift for 2025/26 of 9.9% and for 2026/27 of 9.4%. 

“SRDC had recommended acceptance of the offer, and this result confirms once again members of BMA Scotland resoundingly back their union. We will use this vote of confidence to continue our work to make the voices of resident doctors across Scotland heard, including concluding the resident doctor contract negotiations that started in 2023.

“This pay deal, which is based on total funding of £149 million over two years, is a welcome substantial investment and continues progress towards reversing the pay erosion resident doctors have suffered since 2008. However there remains much more work to be done to address issues affecting resident doctors in Scotland, to secure their future - and the future of the NHS.” 

Notes to editors

The total turnout was 62.4% (3328)

Total accept was 97.1% (3233)

Total reject was 2.9% (95) 

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.